Town of Portsmouth, RI Article IV Feeding of Nondomesticated Animals

[Adopted 2-11-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-02-11B]

§ 101-28 Purpose.

The purpose of this article is to protect the health and safety of residents in the Town of Portsmouth with respect to dangers associated with coyotes and other nondomesticated animals by minimizing opportunities for such animals to obtain food from sources controlled or controllable by humans.

§ 101-29 Definitions.

As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

ATTRACTANT

Any substance which could reasonably be expected to attract or does attract coyotes or other nondomesticated animals, including but not limited to garbage, food products, pet food, carcasses, feed, and grain.

FEEDING

The leaving of food of any kind where it is accessible to coyotes or other nondomesticated animals.

FOOD

All substances consumed by humans or animals for nourishment except grass and other vegetation, growing crops, and food that is canned or stored in sealed or closable containers.

§ 101-30 Prohibited acts.

A. No person shall knowingly feed or in any manner provide an attractant to coyotes or other nondomesticated animals, provided that domestic pets are not attractants, and feeding pets outdoors does not create an attractant if the pet eats all the food immediately or the remaining food is removed as soon as the pet stops eating or the pet is fed in a secure cage or other enclosure.

B. No person shall knowingly leave, store, or maintain any food or attractant in a manner, area, or location accessible to coyotes or other nondomesticated animals.

§ 101-31 Exceptions.

A. Food for birds or squirrels that is in a feeder located within 100 feet of a residence and elevated to be inaccessible to coyotes.

B. Outdoor feeding of farm animals, provided:

(1) Animal food, when not being fed to animals, is stored in a building or a closed container;

(2) Excessive amounts of food, based on the animals' eating history, are not provided to the animals;

(3) Injured, old, feeble, or prey-sized animals are not left out unattended; and

(4) All other reasonable efforts are made to reduce attractants to coyotes and other nondomesticated animals.

§ 101-32 Enforcement; violations and penalties.

A. This article shall be enforced by the police and/or animal control officers of the Town of Portsmouth.

B. A written notification may be issued by an officer requiring and directing the person in violation to remove the food or other attractant within two days of notification.

C. A person receiving a written notification under Subsection B of this section shall remove the food or other attractant as directed within two days of notification.

D. Violations of this article are punishable by a civil penalty of not more than $50 for each day of violation.